Metatarsalgia is sharp pain in the area of the ball of the foot, which is given its shape by the rounded ends of the metatarsal bones. The pain can feel like a person is stepping on a stone and is usually eased by sitting down and worsened by walking barefoot.
Your doctor also can refer you to a massage therapist, which may not only lead you to a qualified professional, but also help you qualify for reimbursement if your insurance policy covers massage treatments. Massage is not medicine. Itâs a complement to your doctor-prescribed arthritis treatment.
Chronic low back pain can be a challenge to treat, but new research suggests that massage therapy may provide some relief. Current medical guidelines actually recommend massage therapy prior to the use of opioid medications for lower back pain, explained William Elder, the study's principle investigator.